In Volume 3 of The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses, Tom Doak published that.

“One of Nicklaus' first design efforts, the inclusion of elementary spectator mounds was the first time I'd ever seen the feature, a few years prior to the TPC network making them famous. The old abbey overlooking the course is the home of the Royal Canadian Golf Association, and they hosted the Canadian Open here for so many years that the course became too familiar. I've heard a lot of people in Canada bash the design, but I disagree, apart from the 430-yard 17th where it's too easy for amateurs to get on the wrong side of the horseshoe green and have no way to putt at the hole."

Glen Abbey received a score of 6 out of 10 from Tom Doak, and a 5 and 6 from two of his co-authors.